Helen Gardner

Images

Education

Equipment

My Equipment/Kit: Coverstitch Machine, Domestic Iron, Overlocker, Sewing Machine, Steam Generator Iron

I can use: Sewing Machine, Industrial Overlocker, Sewing Machine, Overlocker, Coverstitch Machine, Industrial Iron, Dressmaker's Mannequin (Male & Female), Domestic Iron, Steam Generator Iron, Garment Steamer

About me

I am a freelance Costume/Wardrobe Assistant and Dresser with over 10 years’ experience of working in the theatre industry. I hold a Costume Production BA from Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance and have significant experience working as a Wardrobe Assistant and Dresser in both repertory and West End theatres on productions ranging from large-scale musicals, ballets and opera to modern and period plays.

I have recently worked as a Wardrobe Assistant on both the 2021/22 UK tour of 'Hairspray' and 'Mary Poppins - The Musical'. I am currently working as a Wardrobe Assistant on the 2022-23 Winter Season at Shakespeare's Globe.

I have strong hand and machine sewing skills and confidently perform alterations, emergency repairs and construct costumes as when and required. In addition, I have a good knowledge of maintaining, laundering and organising costumes in all types of fabric. I also have experience of running and organising a workroom and costume store gained from my employment as a Wardrobe Instructor at the Miskin Theatre, North West Kent College.

I enjoy working being part of a backstage team and maintain a friendly, approachable manner and keep a level head when emergencies arise. I am used to working long, unsociable hours in fast-paced environments and away from home. I am highly organised, proactive, have a good eye for detail and know the importance of being reliable, prioritising tasks, to use my initiative and be flexible when problem solving.

I am hardworking, polite, punctual and thoroughly passionate about theatre costume. I am always looking to build on my experience and want to work in a variety of roles within the industry, particularly in touring.

Additional skills:

- Clean Driving Licence

- Possess own car

- Have good audio and copy typing skills

- Have great knowledge of the Microsoft Office programmes: Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook

Referees:

Referees are available on request.

License & Passport

Skills

Secondary Job Title	Costume / Costume Support
Job Titles	Costumer Maker, Costume / Costume Support, Wardrobe / Wardrobe Support
Years in industry	6+ years
Organisations / Memberships	BECTU (UK)